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Rookie Recovery: Vegas Makes Most of Bob Hope Breaks

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By Scott MacLeod, via www.flagstick.com

One thing is for sure on the PGA Tour, when you stumble down the stretch at an event like the Bob Hope Classic the normal order of the day is that you get run over. There are rarely any second chances.

For rookie Jhonnatan Vegas (64-67-67-66-69-333) he was afforded a rare opportunity Sunday after a bogey on the 90th hole in regulation appeared to reduce his chances of an almost certain win. Forced into extra holes the 26 year-old Venezuelan native responded on the second extra hole by canning a critical 13-foot putt for par and quickly establishing an early leader for Rookie of the Year honors. The notable putt came on the heels of dunking his tee shot in the water hazard down the left side of the hole. In doing so he knocked off defending champion Bill Haas, who was eliminated on the 1st playoff hole, and impressive Gary Woodland who was the final victim after he bunkered his approach on the 92nd hole and could not match Vegas’ par effort. 

Haas had taken three putts on his final hole in regulation where one less stroke would have allowed him to be the first to win the tournament in back-to-back years since Johnny Miller pulled off the feat in the mid-70’s.

Although disappointed Haas was not heartbroken by his effort. “I did say that I wanted to get to 27 (under par), and if I had more holes left then great. But that's the number I wanted to get to. And sure enough, after 16 holes, I was 27 and had two looks. I birdied 17 and 18 last year, and I could have easily done it this year. And if I 2-putt 18 here, I win.”

For Woodland, who regained full status on the PGA Tour at Q-School last December, this playoff loss was easily his best finish on the big tour where his past play was hampered by injury that shortened his 2009 season.  “It was a long day,” he told the media after completing his 92nd and final hole.  “Seemed like we were out there forever. I drove the ball well all day. I didn't hit my irons as close as I wanted to, I thought I had some good numbers out there and didn't hit some close shots in there. But I got on a little run there right before the turn and unfortunately on the back nine, I just couldn't get any putts to go in.” He added, “So it was a good week and I'll build on this and move on.”

Despite a population of nearly 30 million people, Venezuela reportedly boasts less than twenty golf course making Vegas’ ascension to become a winner on the PGA Tour an improbable one. But that is not to say there have not been signs that he was capable of such success so soon in his PGA Tour career.

Vegas made a big splash last year on the Nationwide Tour where he ended the season in 7th place on the money list, cashing in to the tune on $336,334 thanks to a win at the Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open and five other top ten finishes.

Even with his Nationwide success and a win at the 2010 Argentina Open (by 6 strokes over Andres Romero), nothing will transform Vegas’ life as much as this win at the Bob Hope Classic. Not only does he win $900,000 but he earns a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour and a spot in The Masters this April. 

“This is unbelievable,” said PGA Tour’s newest winner after completing play. "It's a dream come true. "It's something you dream about, but you have to make it happen."

This report provided to GolfWRX.com by Canada’s Flagstick Golf Magazine (www.flagstick.com)

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Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

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In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.

They wrote:

“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”

Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
  • jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
  • jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
  • Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”

Entire Thread: “Most Birdies Without Breaking Par.”

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Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss

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In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.

@DTorres asked:

The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?

Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.

We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.

Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
  • bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
  • CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”

Entire Thread: “Best current stock shaft 2026.”

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GolfWRX’s Father’s Day Gift Guide (2026)

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A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.

As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.

Let’s get to the gifts.

Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo

We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.

Buy here.

STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover

If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.

Buy here.

Why Golf: Putting Thing

When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.

Buy here.

OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes

Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!

Buy here.

Therabody Theragun Relief

A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down. 

Buy here.

World Cup golf apparel

Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.

Buy here.

FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes

Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.

Buy here.

Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker

Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.

Buy here.

Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls

The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!

Buy here.

 

  • GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

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